Cell Walk for Celeste is an album by Cecil Taylor recorded for the Candid label in January 1961 but not released until 1988. The album features performances by Taylor with Archie Shepp, Buell Neidlinger and Denis Charles. Additional recordings from these sessions were released on New York City R&B in 1971 and Jumpin' Punkins in 1987.
Reception
An AllMusic review states: "these Cecil Taylor small group arrangements find the pianist at an intriguing stage of his musical development, encompassing the traditional post-bop jazz of 'Jumpin' Punkins'..., and the more radical, yet still structured approach of the title track. Accompanied by an all-star lineup... Taylor's playing is like aural modern ballet—fractured, flowing, and lyrical."
Track listing All compositions by Cecil Tayor except as indicated "Cell Walk for Celeste" [Take 1] – 11:32 "Davis" [Take 1] (Buell Neidlinger) – 3:12 "Section C" [Take 1] – 10:24 "Jumpin' Punkins" [Take 4] (Mercer Ellington) – 8:20 "Jumpin' Punkins" [Take 5] (Ellington) – 8:20 "Davis" [Take 3] – 5:20 "Cell Walk for Celeste" [Take 3] – 9:51 Recorded Nola's Penthouse Sound Studios, NYC, January 9 & 10, 1961
Personnel Cecil Taylor – piano Archie Shepp – tenor saxophone Buell Neidlinger – bass Denis Charles – drums
Tracks 4,5 also includes:
Billy Higgins – drums Clark Terry – trumpet Roswell Rudd – trombone Steve Lacy – soprano saxophone Charles Davis – baritone saxophone
References